Florida has enacted one of the strongest animal protection laws in the nation. Convicted animal abusers are now permanently banned from adopting or purchasing any pets in the state.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Dexter’s Law in May 2025, and it took effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation closes a dangerous loophole that previously allowed people convicted of animal cruelty to own pets again after serving their sentences.
The law is named after Dexter, a rescue dog who was tragically killed by his adopter — a case that exposed critical weaknesses in the system. To prevent future tragedies, the law also establishes a statewide registry of convicted animal abusers. Shelters, breeders, pet stores, and even members of the public can now check this database before placing an animal with a potential owner.
Offenders remain on the registry for up to ten years, giving organizations a powerful new tool to screen adopters and protect vulnerable animals.